Moroccan expressways

Morocco's network of expressways is administered by the state-owned company Autoroutes du Maroc (ADM). It runs the network on a pay-per-use basis, with toll stations placed along its length. The general speed-limit is 120 km/h.

History

The first expressway in the country is the . Construction of the first section started in 1975 but completion of this road between the economic and the administrative capital took 13 years. Originally usage of the road was free of charge. The toll-road system was later introduced as one measure to prevent lengthy construction times (as happened with this first road). Finding investors for new roads would be easier when these roads would generate their own revenue to repay investors.Website of ADM about its [http://www.adm.co.ma/history.cfm history] , visited 4 August 2008.]

Realized and planned

As of mid 2008, ADM manages 850 km of Morocco's toll roads. Another 570 km are under construction for completion before end 2010Overview main [http://www.adm.co.ma/key_development.cfm. development figures] on ADM site, visited 4 August 2008.] . In 2006, it was announced that ADM will be investing 6.18 billion dirhams ($859 million) to develop its highway network in 2007. [ cite web | title=Morocco strengthens infrastructural development | work= | url=http://business.andnetwork.com/index?service=direct/1/Home/recent.titleStory&sp=l52701 | accessmonthday=September 28 | accessyear=2006 ] . These investment packages are part of the objective which aim to complete 1,500 km by 2010.

Completed roads

The main moroccan expressways are:

*A1 Rabat-Tanger (223 km)
*A2 Rabat-Fes (207 km)
*A3 Casablanca-Rabat (65 km)
*A7 Casablanca-Marrakesh (219 km)
*Casablanca-El Jadida (79 km)

The separately developed stretches, used to create the main N-S and E-W links are:Data obtained from [http://www.adm.co.ma/key_dates.cfm key dates] ] [http://www.adm.co.ma/pgm_development.cfm development program] on ADM site as on 4 August 2008]

Under construction

In 2008 the following roads were under construction: [http://www.adm.co.ma/projects.cfm Detailed project figures] on ADM site, visited 3 August 2008]
*Fes-Oujda length: 320 km avg.costs/km: 28 MDH period: 2007-2010
*Marrakesh-Agadir length: 232 km avg.costs/km: 34 MDH period: 2006-2009

Future plans

ADM has far developed plans to start in 2009 with:
*upgrading the A3 Casablanca-Rabat:by widening the road from 2 x 2 to 2 x 3 lanes over 58 km. Planned completion in 2011

Road safety

In 2007 762 accidents with casualties were reported, a 5% increase on 2006. The accident-rate per 100 million traveled kiloneters dropped by 20% from 30,2 to 24,1 between these years, but the total number as well as rate of deaths didn't go down.

A break-down of these figures: [http://www.adm.co.ma/indicators.cfm Official safety figures] as reported by ADM, visited 3 August 2008]

ee also

* List of roads and highways
* List of toll roads
* Société Nationale des Autoroutes du Maroc

References and notes